Both Australian and New South Wales representatives in the 1980s, Gerard and Hilditch were in Orange yesterday, along side a host of former Western Division representatives, to lend a hand to the Mid West branch of the Men Of League foundation.

It was the second annual golf day for the foundation at Duntryleague, aimed at helping out former league players and officials who have fallen on hard times.

Gerard, who was at the inaugural event last year, said it was about helping out whenever possible.

“We try to where we can. It’s just such a fantastic foundation we come here to do what we can and Ron (Hilditch) and Eddie (Sulkowicz ) both had links in this area,” Gerard said.

All former Parramatta players, Sulkowicz captain-coached Lithgow in the 80s while Hilditch captain-coached the Mudgee Dragons to a premiership in 1986.

The trio took on the elements at Duntryleague yesterday before being special guests at a dinner last night.

“Apart from the fact we’re mad golfers, we just think it’s a great thing and we should be part of it where we can,” Gerard said.

He said the foundation was about giving back to the game.

“You don’t have to have played NRL it could be someone that’s played at Coonabarabran or Wagga that really needs the help and (the Men Of League) will help them. It’s about the game, the sport, the camaraderie, and the 30-year mates that we unfortunately still knock around with,” Gerard said with a grin.

Hilditch added: “And we still fight. But that’s the beauty of it.”

And the rain wasn’t going to detract the former greats from getting in a hit of golf.

Gerard was confident of playing.

“Of course we will. We’re men of league,” he joked.